What to Pack for College

It’s August and you’re thinking about packing for college.

At this point, you’re probably one of two people: You’ve either bought a new set of Twin XL sheets and a few towels or you’re totally on top of the game and have purchased every single item on one of those extensive “ultimate” college packing lists. It doesn’t matter where you’re at with the packing process because this list will make your life a little easier.

Four things you didn’t know you needed

HDMI cord

If you’re bringing a TV and have a laptop with a CD/DVD drive, skip the DVD player and grab an HDMI cord. DVD players are more expensive and difficult to find these days.

Sewing kit

You never know when a clothing emergency will strike. Even if you don’t know how to sew, it’s a lot easier to ask someone to do it for you if you can provide the supplies.

Clorox wipes

Clorox wipes are a gift sent from above. Spilled some coffee? Clorox wipe. Permanent marker on your desk? Clorox wipe. Roommate has the flu? Clorox wipe.

*Bonus points for baby wipes. Those puppies can take out stains, remove your makeup, dust your shelves and the list goes on.

More extension cords than you ever thought possible

The outlets in dorm rooms are usually inconveniently placed on one wall of the room. If you want to plug in your various chargers, mini fridge, lamp or whatever else you may have, you definitely need several extension cords/power strips.

Four things you should leave at home

High school apparel

It’s awesome to be proud of your hometown, but college is a place for you to ditch your high school identity and start fresh. Also, you accumulate a ton of college apparel within the first year so you’ll run out of room for extra clothing (and that letterman’s jacket).

Quarters

Don’t collect those quarters because Concordia has FREE LAUNDRY. If you’ve already started saving, go buy yourself a gumball.

Pots and pans

If you feel the urge to cook/bake, you can borrow kitchen supplies from the residence hall desks. They have vacuums, DVDs and board games for you to use as well.

Food

You will want food in your room but don’t drag a ton of food from home. There are plenty of grocery stores within a few miles of campus (plus the Korn Krib in the campus center), so trust me and save yourself some car space and go grocery shopping after move-in day.